Friday, February 19, 2010

Elegant flavors at Northside Bistro

The lovely ladies of Weddings the Island Way decided to catch Paul Dirks on guitar last Thursday at Northside Bistro and were enchanted with the atmosphere, attentive service, and a varied menu. In tow was McLaughlin Anderson Luxury Villas' Anita Davis, who'd been wanting to try out this eatery for some time.

"The old Bryan's Bar", "formerly North Drop" - Northside Bistro is cheerfully decorated with floral draperies and tableclothes, etched glass and dreamy views of the ocean from its veranda. In the style of wine country, a tapestry of lovely greens, deep and varying purples, and warm woods greet diners as they enter the restaurant.

As Paul glided effortlessly through an eclectic catalog of classics and standards, the ladies availed themselves of the wonderful menu. The appetizers sampled included a bean/corn cake accompanied by modest dollops of piquant chili paste and a generous helping of cilantro sour cream to cool subsequent fires... the bruschetta du jour featured brie and prosciutto with a sprinkling of herbs... and the conch fritters and their fruit/curry remoulade danced on the tongue.

Orange mojitos, laughter and music led to the main course... freshly caught wahoo under a crispy nut and spice shell. Tender, flaky and flavorful... accompanied by crisp grilled veggies and fresh carrot shavings, and risotto or mashed potatoes. One at the table had a custom-made meatloaf, smothered in gravy, with mashed potatoes, and everyone enjoyed what was put before them. Click any image for larger view...

The time flew by, and before you knew it, the desserts were on the table - all shared the warm, buttery bread pudding and an astonishingly beautiful vegan cake that tasted as good as it looked. Cool glasses of limoncello accompanied the sweets (thanks Connie!).

For good times, fantastic service and a varied menu with something to please just about everyone in your party, Northside Bistro is highly recommended by Anita... maybe you'll see her there sometime, gazing lovingly at that vegan cake (she made an impressive dent in it, took the rest home for later)!